Broncos Lose to Raiders 27-14, Fall to 6-9

Christmas Eve was not very kind to the Broncos or their fans as Denver turned in one of its' worst performances of the year in a 27-14 loss to the 4-11 Raiders in Oakland. There is nothing really memorable to say about this game. They were down 17-0 at the half, and it looked like they didn't want to be there. The Broncos are 6-9 and headed for back-to-back losing seasons for the first time since 1971-1972. That is the reality for this franchise, and the reality is that Vance Joseph is going to be gone once Week 17 mercifully ends next week at home against the Chargers. Here are my thoughts and observations on the game.....

1) Dwayne Harris returned a punt 99 yards for a touchdown after Isaac Yiadom downed the ball back in play at the one, and Harris smartly picked it up and raced down the sideline for a TD. That gave the Raiders a 7-0 lead and they never looked back.

2) It was 17-0 at the half and the Raiders second TD was a 24 yard run that not one Bronco player was near the RB as he went into the endzone untouched. It was pitiful.

3) Philip Lindsay did break the 1,000 yard rushing mark in this game, but he was hurt in the 3rd quarter with a wrist injury. He will need surgery and will be out 3-4 months. Hopefully, he comes back healthy in time for OTAs. Of course, we are robbed of seeing him in Week 17, but it was great season for Lindsay and the future is bright for him.

4) Speaking of Lindsay, my 9 year old son is a huge fan of his, and he wrote him a letter a few weeks ago. ESPN was talking about Lindsay during the game and they showed fan mail that he has received and my son's letter was on the screen as they were talking about it. It was a very cool moment for me and my family. That was the only bright spot in this dreadful game.

5) The Broncos end the 2018 season at home against the Chargers, who still can win the AFC West and the #1 seed in the AFC with a win and a Chiefs loss. It will be the final game in the Vance Joseph era (Thank God) and the Broncos will be looking for a new head coach come Monday December 31st. I'll have a wrap of the season and thoughts on the new HC next week. Until then, let's just ge this season over with and move onto 2019!